Approximately one year ago Cornerstones of Maine received its CARF accreditation. This was a huge effort and achievement that has left us in an ideal position to pursue state licensure. Now, it’s with great enthusiasm and excitement that we announce Cornerstones of Maine has officially received state licensure! 

Licensure serves as a critical safeguard in residential mental health programs, ensuring that facilities operate at a standard that prioritizes the well-being and safety of their residents. Licensed programs must adhere to stringent regulations regarding staff qualifications, treatment protocols, and facility operations, all of which help to maintain high levels of care. These standards ensure that residents receive evidence based treatments from qualified professionals in an environment that meets health and safety codes. Without licensure, there would be less oversight, leaving vulnerable populations at risk of receiving substandard care or facing unsafe conditions.

Additionally, licensure fosters accountability and builds trust among clients, families, and stakeholders. A licensed program demonstrates a commitment to quality and ethical practices, reassuring families that their loved ones are in capable hands. It also allows for regulatory oversight, providing a mechanism for addressing complaints, conducting inspections, and ensuring compliance. Ultimately, licensure is not just a legal requirement; it is our foundational commitment to being a trustworthy and effective mental health care program. Being a licensed program will result in some minor policy changes at Cornerstones, but not much will change in our day to day procedures, as we have always operated with the intention of meeting state regulations and standards. 

We want to thank all of our program supporters for helping us achieve this goal. It is an especially exciting achievement given that we are set to embark on our 10th year in operation in 2025. We look forward to continuing our commitment to improving the lives of our clients and we feel fortunate to be part of the greater project to improve the lives of young people.

Written by Jacob Gelles